James Naismith invented the game of basketball. Subsequently, the game popularized, thus establishing the ABA and eventually, the NBA. When the NBA was in its prime, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were big names that represented the league well, however, the true face of the league was Michael Jordan. Although Jordan managed to accomplish feats that will seemingly never be surpassed, his impact off the court was just as great as it was on the court, as he maintained a celebrity status that has caused a younger generation to appreciate his presence, whether it his through his famed sneaker line or through the extensive community service he has performed.
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, born on February 17, 1963, is most well known as a legendary basketball player and an entrepreneur, but he had ways to go before he claimed that title (King, 570). As a sophomore at Laney High in Wilmington, North Carolina, Michael Jordan encountered one of many notable shortcomings when he was cut from the varsity basketball team (King, 571). This was seen as a huge roadblock for Jordan, and one of many inspiring ones for fans looking for a light at the end of the tunnel, as he went on to have many memorable performances and back-to-back 40-point games on the regular as a member of the junior varsity squad. Eventually, Jordan became the buzz of the school, and one of the nation's best high schoolers, making way for a great college career and eventually, a difficult recruiting process, as he became one of the nation's most coveted players. As a senior, Jordan committed to North Carolina, one of the nation's strongest basketball development programs, and starred alongside future All-Star James Worthy (UXL Biographies 27). Despite his success at North Carolina, Jordan elected to forego a fourth year at North Carolina, having decided that winning an NCAA championship already cemented his legacy as a Tarheel. It didn't take long for NBA teams to start looking at Jordan, as he was scouted heavily by a plethora of NBA teams looking for a star wing.